Grantham Journal Children’s Fund: P Pod changed Courtney’s life

A 13-year-old with cerebral palsy and scoliosis can now spend more time with her family thanks to a successful bid for help from the Grantham Journal Children’s Fund.

A tailor-made P Pod chair has made a big difference to Courtney Peters, giving her the support she needs which she could only previous get by lying in bed.

She needs to be fully supported at all times, which the P Pod, in her chosen shade of purple, allows her to be, while being small enough to fit in the family’s living room.

Her mum, Natasha, 36, said: “The effect on family life was massive when she was unable to be with us in the living room. The aim of the P Pod is she can come in here with us.

“It gives her greater mobility and comfort.”

Dad Stuart, 39, added: “The chair will help her throughout her life, and will grow with her.

“It’s like her spending time with family chair – she can relax and have chill time.”

Courtney’s younger siblings – Kayleigh, 11, Daniel, 9, and Ellierose, 6 – are happy to be closer to their older sister, and were all praised by their parents for all the support they give her.

Support has come in many forms. Stuart and Natasha have been successful in claiming grants to help them adapt their home, in Wentworth Drive, Grantham, many of which took time and came with many forms to fill in.

They said they found the application process for financial help from the Grantham Journal Children’s Fund was easy.

Natasha said: “I would recommend the charity to anyone with a disabled child to use the fund. That’s why it’s there.”

Keen to do all they can to make their daughter as independent as possible, Stuart and Natasha are raising money to buy an iGaze, a £6,500 device which will allow Courtney to communicate by using eye contact on a screen.

With help from family and friends they are organising various fund-raisers after Christmas. They have also set up a ‘Courtney’s Cause’ donation page at www.gofundme.com/hdwl30